Choosing the right stove to take with you while you are backpacking or camping can be difficult, as there are a lot of stoves available on the market that claim to be the best. If you choose the wrong one then you could end up with a stove that simply will not warm anything up, and that could ruin your entire trip.

There are some key factors that you need to take into consideration when you go to choose your first camping stove. You have to look at whether or not the stove is actually windproof, the safety features of the stove, and the size of the stove. The right stove for you will depend entirely on your own requirements.

Product Specifications

Compact, all-in-one integrated stove and cookware system with a secure locking pot and personal mug with cozy.

If you like to pack light then you should not go for a stove that is large and bulky, however, if several of you are using the same stove then you should go for a slightly larger model so that you are not having to use it constantly. The MSR WindBurner Stove is a fantastic option for anyone that is seeking a lightweight, windproof stove.

Review

The MSR WindBurner Stove System has been specifically designed to be easy to use so that even beginners can use it accurately. It features an all-in-one system that can be used to either cook your food or warm up your drinks so that you do not have to carry around two separate systems.

To make it even easier it comes with a personal mug, so you do not have to worry about whether or not your own cutlery will be compatible with the product. MSR have gained themselves a track record when it comes to the creation of outdoors equipment, and this particular device is no exception.

If you have ever used a stove that has been made for camping, then you will probably be aware of how easy they can be to knock over. Knocking over your stove could potentially be dangerous, so this particular stove comes with a folding canister stand which prevents it from tipping over at all. Even when it is windy outside. The stand is also capable of holding the device up on uneven terrain.

The MSR WindBurner Stove features a high-quality radiant burner head, which means that it can heat both food and liquid up a lot faster than the majority of other stoves that are readily available on the market. The burner itself pulls in air through the small ports to enable immediate combustion, and it is completely covered by the WindBurner pot. This means that it is suitable for use even in the windiest of environments.

This product is ideal for use when camping, especially in open areas that could be windy.

Best Use: What Sort of Weather Will You Be Experiencing?

It is not safe to use a camping stove of any kind inside of your tent, so you should always consider what the weather will be like when you go to purchase one. Most camping stoves cannot cope with a lot of wind but, the MSR WindBurner Stove is a little bit different.

The placement of the actual WindBurner pot ensures that the flame will not be exposed to the windbreaks that can occur naturally, even if they are rather sudden. The stand itself is also highly durable and can stop the stove from falling over in the wind.

All of this means that the product is best used in a windy, open environment. This product is exceptional for boiling water, and rehydrating meals when you are out backpacking. You do not have to worry about the weather that surrounds you. Most stoves that claim to be windproof are actually quite heavy, but this particular model is relatively light.

Packaging

The MSR WindBurner Stove comes with a radiant burner head, an aluminum cooking pot, a pot cozy, a durable canister stand, a locking top lid, a measuring and drinking cup, and an absorbent cloth. All of this means that you will not have to purchase any other products to use this one, other than your fuel source!

The stove itself also comes in two different sizes. One has the ability to hold up to 1 L of fluid, and the other has the ability to hold up to 1.8 L of fluid. It has been designed to be compatible with a wide range of MSR products, so you can alter the design to suit your own requirements. Weighing approximately 440 g without fuel, it is an incredibly light option.

Design and Durability

The MSR WindBurner Stove has been well designed, as all of the components are capable of fitting directly into the pot itself. The pot lid is secure, and it makes sure that all of the products in the pot do not fall out inside of your backpack. You can even fit a small fuel canister directly into the pot.

MSR is one of the most popular brands on the market, so this product is slightly more expensive than a range of other wind resistant stoves would be. It does, however, offer the durability that matches the price tag, as well as the sturdy design that will prevent the stove from falling over. Anyone who has gone camping with a stove before will know just how easy it can be to knock the stove over, so the canister stand is a valuable safety feature.

The WindBurner itself is known to be an incredibly efficient piece of equipment, and it can stay lit against massive gusts of wind. The only downside to the design of this stove is that it does not feature an integrated lighter, although it is easy to light the stove by using external sources while away on your adventures. Remember that matches often blow out easily in the wind, so you should consider alternative options.

We believe that the safety of a stove is one of the most important aspects that brands have to take into consideration during the design process. This particular stove has been designed with some nice safety features. One of those features means that if the burner does start to become too hot then it will immediately shut off, eliminating any risk.

Weight

The MSR WindBurner Stove weighs in at approximately 440 g, without adding the additional fuel source that you will need to ignite it. It is not a heavy piece of equipment. Most backpackers would be able to carry it in their backpack throughout the day without starting to worry about it. There are lighter options available on the market but in our opinion, they are not as wind resistant or as well designed.

This product is on the more expensive end of the market and that does reflect in the overall design and weight of the product. Every aspect of this stove has been designed to fit together perfectly, packing away directly into the cooking pot.

This means that you don’t have a lot of loose pieces to attempt to put into your backpack, and the result is a compact box-like shape. If you buy a small enough fuel canister, then that will also fit inside of the cooking pot. Saving space is important!

Wind Resistance

We understand that not everyone will be exposed to large gusts of wind while they are cooking or heating liquid up, but wind can really take you by surprise sometimes when you are backpacking or camping. When it does it can render a large number of cooking stoves to be absolutely useless, so it is advisable to ensure that you find a product that can stand up against the wind regardless of where you are going to be.

This canister stove system offers a fantastic amount of wind resistance to any consumer, and it would be a fantastic option for cooking when you are in an exposed location. You will be able to cook normally as if you are actually in a location where there is no wind at all. If you do find yourself out in the wild with a stove that cannot stand up to the wind and you are in an exposed location, then you will end up tucking into uncooked food.

The MSR WindBurner Stove does a great job of standing up against even strong gusts of wind. A lot of backpackers and campers frequently use it in windy locations, although we believe that anyone who cooks in areas that are prone to heavy gusts of wind will really reap the benefits of this particular stove.

Speed

The MSR WindBurner Stove is a fantastic option for people who want to eat immediately after they stop participating in their daily activities. All you really need to do is remember to buy fuel before you head off out into the wild. The stove itself does need to be lit by hand as it does not feature automatic ignition, but everything after that is an incredibly quick process.

The speed at which you can use this stove probably offers one of the best arguments as to why you should purchase it over another, as it is quick to operate. There is no better feeling than having warm food inside of you after a day on the trail, especially if it has been rather chilly. Having to stand around and wait for a mediocre stove to cook your food is not a fun process, and you should never have to do that.

All of the cooking equipment that comes with the WindBurner features graduated fluid markings so that you can see exactly how much fluid each product is able to handle. The cook pot that comes with the stove can hold around 20 ounces, and the accompanying plastic cup can hold around 16 ounces. The pot itself should never be filled any further, as you could run the risk of the liquid boiling over the top of the pot.

Ease of Setup

All of the components that you need to quickly set up the MSR WindBurner Stove come with the product, so you do not have to worry about the cost of purchasing any additional equipment. A lot of people will initially want to throw the canister stand away, due to the extra weight that it possesses, but we would have to strongly advise against that. The canister stand is what keeps your stove standing, even when you accidentally knock it.

As we have already mentioned, it is really easy to assemble this stove while you’re out in the wild. You can literally set it up and have your food warmed up within a matter of minutes, and out in the cold that is exactly what you will need.

Actually eating out of the pot is rather nice too, as the cozy provides enough insulation for you to grip it without accidentally burning your own hands. Don’t underestimate the heat of your food, it could still be hot in there even if you can’t feel it through the cozy!

Packability

In our opinion, the MSR WindBurner Stove is one of the easiest stoves to pack away into your backpack that you can find readily available on the market. Everything packs away directly into one compartment so that you do not have to worry about struggling to pull each individual item out of the bottom of your backpack.

This design also means that the stove is rather compact, taking up a minimal amount of space. MSR also sell a really good coffee attachment for this stove, and that also takes up next to no space. It’s as though they have designed the stove for those of us who avoid bulky objects at all costs.

The compartment that everything fits inside of doubles as the cooking pot, and it features an extra secure lid. You won’t have to worry about any of your items falling out of it, and you could even put your fuel canister inside of it for safe keeping. MSR really thought the design and layout of this product though, as it fits together as effortlessly as a jigsaw.

Value for Money and Guarantee

MSR is known for producing high-quality items, and a lot of them do come with a price tag that matches those feet. This particular product is no exception, but we believe that it is worth every penny.

The cost of approximately $130 – $160 is a great price, and you get all of the accessories that you need with the device. It’s far less troublesome than having to seek shelter from the wind and wait patiently for it to die down. A lot of additional work has been done to ensure that this product is perfect, and even the lid on the WindBurner is watertight. Not very many lids are, so you should not attempt to tip a standard pot over without a towel to hand.

The majority of MSR stoves come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and customers who have had to return their products have found that a replacement or refund has appeared swiftly. It is worth noting that camping stoves do degrade over time, due to general wear and tear.

Other Competitor Stoves That You Might Like

Make sure that you do not immediately decide on a specific product when you are looking for a camping stove, as there might be an alternative product that is more suitable to you and your own needs. Have a look at these alternative products before making the decision as to which stove is the right stove for you.

MSR Reactor Stove System

It features a radiant burner head that is completely enclosed, so it performs even better in windy conditions than the MSR WindBurner does. This product is slightly more expensive and costs approximately $200.

This product is also available in several different sizes: 1.0 L, 1.7 L, and 2.5 L. The 2.5 L would be perfect for couples and small families, otherwise, you might have to use a smaller stove multiple times for the same meal.

Flash Personal Cooking System

If you are looking for an incredibly light option, then the Flash Personal Cooking System could be perfect for you. It weighs in at approximately 1.55 pounds, and it only measures 4.4 x 7.3 x 9.9 inches when fully assembled.

It proves to be a perfect option for backpackers who enjoy packing as light as they can.

It is also available in a variety of different colors, so there won’t be any arguing if you have children that all want their own. Directly on the insulating cozy, you will be able to see a color-changing heat indicator. When the color changes, you will know that the liquid inside of the pot is warm.

Overview

The MSR WindBurner Stove is a great option for a variety of different people, due to how well designed it actually is. The value of the product directly reflects the qualities that it can offer a consumer, and you can make sure that you will be able to eat quickly after settling down with this stove. It may be slightly heavier than other options, but that additional weight offers an additional layer of stability while you cook.

PROS:

Durable

Easy to assemble

Highly wind resistant

Cost efficient

Suitable for beginners

CONS:

Lacks a built-in lighter

Is not as light as other options

You should always put your safety first and never use a fuel-powered stove within your tent. They have to be kept out in the open. This can mean disaster when it is windy, as some stoves simply will not work. This stove has been tested in a variety of different conditions, and even Alpinists have found that it works perfectly in the wind.

While this product is fantastic, no product will ever be perfect. Let’s have a look at the factors that are for and against this stove:

MSR WindBurner Stove

Weight

Packaging

Design and durability

Wind resistance

Speed

Ease of setup

Value for money

Summary

The MSR WindBurner Stove is a product that is worth purchasing, and while it is slightly more expensive than other products on the market it is clear to see why. Campers, backpackers, and even alpinists can all benefit from the features of this product, as it can be difficult to tell when the wind will blow in. Most of the customers that have purchased the camping stove have found that it functions perfectly and suits their needs.

Remember to look at how compact a camping stove is before you purchase it, otherwise you could find yourself struggling to get it to fit into your bag! We would recommend that you try to get one that fits together, so that you don’t have to worry.

4.8

User Rating5(1 vote)

Sending

So what do you think of this particular backpacking stove? Are the features enough to make you want to buy one for your outdoor trips? Let us know in the comments!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bradley Page

With several decades of experience as a backpacker and outdoor adventurer, Bradley is an open encyclopedia when it comes to gear, clothes, and other items that matter on the trail. He tested hundreds of shoes, pants, jackets, and backpacks in his long career and is always up to date with the new appearances in the niche. His experience makes him one of the authority figures in backpacking and he can help anyone to get prepared for a great adventure!

Join Us

Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the permission of Backpacking Mastery.

The information provided on this site is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

All images are the property of their respective owners. If you found any image copyrighted to yours, please contact us, so we can remove it.

Backpacking Mastery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com